WHO recognizes psoriasis as chronic condition

The resolution sends a powerful global message about the serious nature of the disease.

Psoriasis severity spotlighted in WHO resolution

The World Health Organization recently adopted a resolution that recognizes psoriasis as “a chronic, non-communicable, painful, disfiguring, and disabling disease for which there is no cure.”

The resolution, passed during the 67th World Health Assembly held in Stockholm, also acknowledges the psychosocial burden of the disease.

“International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), together with its member associations and leading medical societies, has long called for the WHO and its member states to recognize the serious nature of psoriasis,” Lars Ettarp, President of the IFPA, said in a press release.

“Finally, the voices of the more than 125 million people who live with psoriasis have been heard, and on this historic day for the global psoriasis community we wish to express our great appreciation for all the stakeholders involved in bringing about this important resolution, especially all the WHO member states that have shown their support for our cause.”

Panama, Argentina, Ecuador and Qatar have long recognized the need for greater awareness of psoriasis, according to Ambassador Alberto Navarro Brin of the Permanent Mission of Panama to the United Nations in Geneva: “We are very pleased that this resolution has now been adopted and will continue to work with civil society to help build a better world for people with psoriasis.”

Kathleen Gallant, Secretary of IFPA and Chair IFPA Task Force on NCDs, said the resolution is an important platform from which to effect change that sends strong message worldwide that psoriasis is a serious immune-mediated, painful and disabling non-communicable disease that needs greater public awareness.

“This is a great opportunity for education and greater understanding, making a tremendous collective first step towards alleviating the devastating effects of this chronic inflammatory disease," said Gallant.

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